Chapter 86

Chapter #84

Chastened, Rachna entered the bedroom, and silently came to sit beside her friend.  Apparently she had been alone in her thinking, when questioning Naomis intent.  Both Daadi and Kabir had expressed their dismay at her immediately, but that it had been a stranger who made her understand how unthinking she had been, was beyond discomfiting.

 

Naomi had stopped mid-stride on the stairs, coloring when Rachna had for all intents and purposes accused her of being so heartless. She had swallowed and then turned around and re-climbed the stairs, without uttering a word, refusing even to acknowledge her friend.

 

They all heard the slamming of the bedroom door.

 

Jack had approached the dining room table then. Erased was the cockiness that the man had previously displayed.  He extracted a device from his pocket and placed it on the table next to Rachna. She looked at it and then back at the bodyguard in confusion.

 

"She left under the worst conditions imaginable, under both physical and mental distress. Now, today in finding this listening device, I have confirmed her fear that not only had she been violated physically, but even her intimate moments in the privacy of her own bedroom weren't her own for some time. Only she would know what that entails, but I can imagine that this would be as traumatic as the physical attack itself; a reality whose full extent has only been revealed to her a few days ago. As foolhardy as she has gone about it, I totally understand what she means by wanting to take her life back, and this news is a definite setback to this. Then out of the blue she hears the one voice she's yearned for ever since she was ousted unceremoniously out of his life...and she's shattered because all she wants is to meet him on an equal footing, not when she feels as broken as she does now. So tell us, what should she have done, Mrs. Tripathi?"

 

Rachna reached over and wrapped her arm around Naomi's shoulder. They sat there, until the quiet was interrupted by a beep of an incoming message on Naomi's mobile that lay charging on the nightstand. She reached for the phone and checked the new message; and then scrolled through all of the previous ones, she had had no clue were there.

"I had absolutely no idea that Jack had been assigned to me until my run in with Abhi, and then after that everything happened so fast. This is the first time my phone has been charged since the decision to change my flight to an earlier one was made. It didn't occur that he would be trying to reach me...if he hadn't after I had left him a message, why would he now? I wouldn't have ignored his calls, Ra... Never in a million years would I."

She may have been ignorant to Naomi's feelings, but Rachna was quick in comprehending what she had just relayed.

"So you were intending to return before you met Abhi?"

"Of course, Ra; how could I not? I wanted... I want justice for both of us. I could have lost him that night, Rachna and then where would I have been?"

"He refused to leave, Naomi, not until you were safely away. That's why I acted as I did that morning. I'm...I'm sorry for my part in it all, but we had to get him to the hospital right away. I...we all thought you would immediately see through my act..."

Naomi nodded. It had been good that she had a few days between the return of her memories, and piecing together everything to try to understand her friend's actions that morning. The hurt may still exist, but in understanding their reasoning made it more bearable.

"And is your quest for justice the only reason for returning, Naomi," Rachna asked, needing to know exactly where her friend's mind was.

"I'm not sure; I won't be sure until we have talked. Right now I'm not even sure if I will stay," Naomi replied evasively.

Rachna felt her stomach knot. "You love him and he loves you - desperately. He has lamented sending you away, that the wedding being cancelled... he has worried about you and the babies...it has killed him that he couldn't come to you. And before you even think that is some sense of obligation, I'll have you know that he has to be over the moon to be a father. In fact he's already..."

"Already what, Rachna," Naomi asked when Rachna stopped mid-sentence.

"I can't tell you," her friend answered smiling, "It's a surprise. All I know is that you can't think to leave again."

Naomi felt a flicker of hope ignite inside her and forced her insecurities aside in hope that what her friend was telling the truth.  Even if it was; she knew that this wouldn't be the end of her problems, but it would help.  She turned and looked her friend in the eyes.

"I'm the problem, Ra. I don't know if I can be the woman he deserves to have in his life. I feel like an empty shell of myself right now, which is crazy, because I know I'm one of the lucky ones. Things could have been so much worse, Rachna, and I'm trying to be brave, to get over this quickly, but the only thing I can think of, is it fair to him, to come to him like this before I have?"

Rachna looked her, finally understanding some things.

"Is this why you have moved back into this bedroom; so that you can face your fears..."

"Yes. If I can push past them, then maybe we stand a chance." She fell back on humor, as she usually did when she felt unsure, "So if I start screaming in the middle of the night, don't be alarmed, just send my babysitter to me."

"Hmm, I don't think that will be the best thing Pretty Eyes',"Rachna mocked. "Rajeev is going to have such an issue with Jack if he keeps such familiarity up."

Naomi laughed honestly this time. "Perhaps he should be more particular about who he agrees to hire as my bodyguard, then," she replied, "Although he does seem proficient enough."

"You do realize thought that none of it matters, Naomi. Rajeev loves you so much he will accept you as you are."

"It matters to me, Ra."

 

They would agree to disagree in this case, so Rachna changed the subject. Her curiosity had been piqued, and she had to ask what she had been speculating since last night.

"So was your meeting with Abhi truly as bad as Jack thinks? What did you say that riled Abhi so?"

A look of satisfaction came over Naomi's face.

"Only that I would never be his; that my mind, my heart and especially my body belonged to Rajeev and only him. And if he dared to come near or attempt to harm me, my husband or our children that he would regret it in this life and all them hereafter."  

She awaited Rachna's reaction.

"Your husband?"

 Her cheeks reddened.

"Well, maybe I exaggerated a little," Naomi continued, thinking that her recollection Rajeev's act of filling her maang that night as having more validity than it actually did, was a little silly. "In my defense though, I was in a complete rage at the time."

Smiling at her, Rachna spoke. "Well, all I can say is whatever is going on in your mind must be catching as Rajeev is exaggerating just as much; since he is constantly claiming you as his wife nowadays as well.  And as it pertains to that criminal...I would say what you told that deviant was more than deserved. He will get what is coming to him."

 

Naomi's mobile pinged again with another message. She was glad as she hated to even think of Abhi .

 

"I'm so tempted to answer, but I don't want to disturb him at work. What time do you think he will reach home, Rachna?"

Rachna gave an estimate and then watched Naomi nod determinedly.

"I will call him tonight, but Rachna, I...well I don't want him to know that I am here yet, not for another couple of days yet. Just so I can get myself together and take care of a few things."

 

Rachna agreed. "Thik hai, he won't hear it from us, but make it soon; he needs you as much as you need him, Naomi." She sighed and then stood. "I will have some breakfast sent up and then leave you to do what you have to. Just don't get too caught up that you neglect eating, you overachiever you," she teased her friend.  "I suppose one baby at a time was too simple for you, too?"

"Don't be mad because I'm just more efficient than you, Ra."

The two women shared a smile and then Naomi walked her friend to the door. They hugged once they got there.

"I'm so glad you've come home, Naomi, but more importantly Rajeev will be to. We'll talk later this evening okay," Rachna said before slipping out of the room.

 

Evidently Daadi was of the same mindset as Rachna, as the two women passed each other on the staircase, the former carrying a tray on her way to Naomi. They paused briefly and Rachna nodded, which Daadi took as an indication that she had made amends for her earlier mistake.

"Rachna, beti, I know she doesn't want us to mollycoddle her, but we have to bear in mind that it will be a challenge for her coming to terms with what happened to her. And where she wants to go from there," Daadi stated.

"She is going to call Rajeev tonight, Daadi."

"Brilliant, that's absolutely brilliant news!"

The two women turned in the direction of the man had come up behind Daadi. He paused and relieved the older woman of the breakfast tray.

"Pretty Eyes is probably famished, and if not she needs to eat something for the sake of those babies anyway."

 Rachna cringed. "Jack, a word of advice:  you probably should lay off the pet name when you meet Rajeev, he..."

"Oh I doubt Rajeev will care too much for me at any rate," Jack replied boldly.

"Jack, beta," Daadi began sternly ...or perhaps not, as her smile totally belied her tone.

Suddenly Rachna stared at Daadi and the bodyguard.  She knew full well that Daadi could be quite the strategist, and the overly familiar bodyguard seemed an ideal candidate for a partner in one of her plans. And then there was the fact that of all of them, Daadi had not stirred at all during the ruckus of Naomi's return last night.

"Daadi..." Rachna began warily.

"Beti, don't you have an appointment with the corporate lawyer today?"

"Ji Daadi, but..."

"Beti you mustn't be late: business is business."

*********

 

Due to his wife's earlier warning, Kabir wasn't surprised when close to noon, Daadi, Naomi and Jack left home for some unknown destination. He talked briefly to the bodyguard before his departure and arranged for him go over the provisional security improvements he had decided on.  Pending his feedback, they would be implemented immediately, both for the security of his family, as well as in anticipation of the expected fall -out from Sareena's arrival in a couple of days.  Most of the work would be done on the ground level, since Jack had deemed the second floor as secure enough, once he installed some equipment in Sanjay's as well as the bedroom Sareena would occupy. The bodyguard had already ensconced himself in a guest bedroom on the ground floor. From there he would be able to monitor everything and if needed, provide a first line of defense should anything untoward occur in the coming days.

 

Kabir sighed: two days, and everything would change. He knew it to be inevitable so it didn't make sense to fight against it any longer. He could only hope that after all was said and done, that an accord could be struck with Sanjay's aunt that would allow their family to remain a part of the little boy's life; even if it was to be  in a small measure. He imagined that the distance would be a hindrance, but as a lone female, surely the young physician would appreciate the support that a ready-made family could offer her as she raised the young, rambunctious boy.

 

Before he knew it the time had passed and Rachna had returned home from her consultation. Kabir turned from his work-station at the sound of her voice as she entered the studio. He smiled at her, as she came to him and placed her hands on his shoulders in order to reach up and place a kiss on his cheek. When she did, he wrapped his arms around her waist and held her close. He closed his eyes and exhaled; as always, her nearness comforted him.

"I'm glad that we have this opportunity to talk before everyone returns," Rachna began.

Kabir glanced at the wall clock. "Oh...I hadn't even noticed the lateness of the time; let alone whether they had come back."

Rachna narrowed her eyes. It hadn't appeared that her husband had been hard at work with any design, so it must be everything else that had him so occupied. She wrapped her arms around his neck tight, and pressed closer to him.

"It occurred to me as I was yawning in the back of the car, how exhausted I am, Kabir. So much has and still is happening, and since we had freed our calendars for the Rajeev and Naomi's wedding, I thought that maybe we should go on holiday: all of us."

Kabir stiffened.

"I think that perhaps the UK should still be a viable option. We could ensure that Sanjay is settled and then..."

"What..."

"Hear me out, Kabir, please. Actually I was thinking that perhaps after we settle Sanjay, that we could explore some property options just outside of London, since the likelihood of me having to travel there for work will be a definite. Plus it will allow us someplace we can use as a home base if we are permitted to spend time with Sanjay. It need not be anything too large, and I figure outside of the city would be more economical. We wouldn't have to worry about intruding in Sareena's personal space, and ..."

She stopped when her husband captured her lips softly. She was dazed when he raised his head.

"How do you do it, Mrs. Tripathi? How do you know to say the very thing I need to hear, exactly when I need to?"

She kissed him back.

"I can only surmise that great minds think alike, Kabir Tripathi," Rachna stated. "I don't imagine that Sareena will be unreasonable if we request time with Sanjay; I'm guessing that she may be open to some sort of arranged visitations. At least, I hope she is; because to be truthful, I cannot imagine him not being a part of our family, after all of this is sorted."

********

 

His heart had begun to pound in his chest when his mobile rang for the first time today, but his hopes crashed when it turned out to be his mother to inform him of a business gala that his father wanted the Agarwals to attend as a family unit in five days.

"Maa, that is the day of the tournament final. It begins late in the afternoon, and by the time everything concludes... I cannot guarantee that I can make it."

"Rajeev, beta you cannot refuse. This event is critical to your father's legacy; you cannot say no."

"Maa, my team has worked so hard all season; I cannot short change them either. Tell Papa I will do my best, but right now I cannot make any guarantees. I will better know the day of, thik hai?"

"Beta, please..."

He had to hurry her off the phone just in case Naomi attempted to telephone. "Maa we are just leaving the match heading back to Banaras now. I will have to go."

 

It had been in vain, as no call came for the entire length of the trip back home. He hurriedly entered his flat to check his answering machine which he noticed, was flashing.

It had been his father, following up on his mother's message. Only this time the request had become a command from the senior Agarwal. His mother would call later to give him the particulars.

She did, minutes later, but Rajeev was able to get a thirty minute reprieve, when he pleaded for time to freshen up. He had barely stepped out of the shower when the phone rang again.

"I get it Maa; it's an important event, and I promise I will try my best to be there. But it hasn't even been twenty minutes. Couldn't this wait for the minimum time I requested?"

 

"Is this not a good time Rajeev? I can call back if you don't have time to speak right now."

 His mouth dropped open, and  it seemed, dried up in an instant.

"Sweetheart," he croaked.

There was silence on the other end of the phone, and Rajeev immediately panicked, thinking that she may have misinterpreted his words and disconnected the call.

"Naomi...Sweetheart," he beseeched, anxiously.  

And then he heard it: the muffled sob, that she was obviously trying hide from him.

"No Sweetheart, anything but tears..."

"I didn't think I would ever hear your voice again. I've been listening to your messages all afternoon, but nothing compares to your actual voice, " she whimpered.

The moisture pooling in his own eyes, gave truth to her words, but innately, he understood that such intense emotions were not good for her, and that he needed to calm her down.

"Settle down, Sweetheart. Getting so overwrought is not good for you or the children.  Dry your tears and tell me, how are my daughters?"

He heard her smile in the teary voice that answered him.

"How are you so certain that they are girls; you could be meant to have boys, or one of each, Rajeev Agarwal."

"I don't believe so...I am sure that you carry my two little angels this time Sweetheart. But in the unlikelihood that I am wrong, just know that I will cherish and love our babies regardless; almost as much as I do their mother. Now take a deep breath and tell me if you are feeling well."

She did just that, and thankfully her voice sounded less shaky when she spoke again.

"Physically yes, but I would think the more important question is how are you feeling?"

 

It was all she would ask; all she wanted to know right now. They would get into the real details when they met, but for now, Naomi needed to know that he was recovering.

 

He told her the truth, willing to play the game of avoiding the deeper issues they would have to address at some point.

"I am not back to full health, and I am suffering from some weariness, but I am much better. However I will be at my best when I can see you again Sweetheart." He paused. "Did you leave the UK afterwards," he asked, again not venturing into the full scope of what she had done.

"Yes," Naomi replied, "Jack and I left as soon as we could."

"The bodyguard is still with you then...that's good. And did your parents leave as well? I wasn't able to reach them either."

"Yes they decided to as well."

He sighed, just imagining the distance between them now that she had left London.

"You're safe that's all that matters for now. That and the fact that I have finally spoken to you; and will be on a daily basis, will have to do, until I get the all clear to come to you, thik hai?"

"Your bossiness is showing, Rajeev."

"I've been convinced that plain talking works best for us, Sweetheart, so don't complain."

"I never thought that it was a bad thing; that was Rachna: remember?"

"So it was."

 

A knock came on her door, so Naomi had to cut the conversation short. By the sound of it she suspected in may be Sanjay and she didn't want her location to be determined just yet, which the little boy's voice would certainly accomplish.

"I have to go, but I'm going to email you something okay?"

Rajeev concurred, now feeling somewhat chilled by his state of undress.

"Okay, I'll wait for it; and I will speak to you later. We have a lot to discuss. I love you, Sweetheart."

Her door was opening, and she was right, it was Sanjay.

"I love you too," she answered abruptly and disconnected the call.

 

Rajeev narrowed his eyes when the click sounded in his ear. He shook his head, and went to get dressed.  As relieved as he was for their brief conversation, he was still worried, but in the end, he  had pondered on Naomi's strange farewell for as long as it took him to access his email. After that, the ultrasound images she had sent were enough to remove all thoughts from his mind.  When his vision got too blurry, he pressed the heels of his palms against them to dispel his tears. And then he studied the proof of the miracle they had created... their two beautiful babies.

[NOCOPY]

crtkelly2016-05-22 00:45:46